Originally the township was known as Blacks, after Charles Black on whose run gold was first discovered. The name was changed to the more apt, Ophir in 1875 after the biblical land where the Queen of Sheba obtained gold for King Solomon. At its height, Ophir’s population surged to more than 1000 people.

This pretty, peaceful holiday town is deceptive. Ophir endures extreme seasonal temperatures and has recorded New Zealand’s coldest winter temperature at -21C. It is the perfect spot for winter photography, fishing in the nearby Manuherikia River and picnicking in warmer weather.

The suspension bridge, built in 1880, was once the main means of crossing the Manuherikia River and is one of only a few remaining in Central Otago. With one end extending through solid rock, this little bridge was first made from wood then rebuilt with prefabricated steel shipped out from the United Kingdom. Located at the Alexandra end of Ophir, it is named after the Irish patriot, Daniel O’Connell and still boasts strong, stone piers.

Enjoy the local hospitality and immerse yourself in the living history that is Ophir.

Top activities to do while backpacking in Ophir:

• The Rail Trail - Stretching from Dunedin to Clyde, the Central Otago rail branch linked small inland goldfield towns with the big city from the early 20th century through to the 1990s. After the 150km stretch from Middlemarch to Clyde was permanently closed, the rails were ripped up and the trail resurfaced.  The result is a year-round trail that takes bikers, walkers and horseback riders along a historic route containing old rail bridges, viaducts and tunnels.  With excellent trailside facilities (toilets, shelters and information), no steep hills, gob-smacking scenery and profound remoteness, the trail attracts well over 10,000 visitors annually.
  
  
• The Best Bits Tour - We have an extremely popular a two day package called the “Best Bits Tour” which includes the “Poolburn Viaduct which is the only place you’ll see the New Zealand Falcon in its natural habitat. It’s simple, stay your first night at the lodge, we transfer you to Oturehua the next morning, and you ride (or walk) back to Ophir (approx 30km) the total cost for this is $120nz pp for two or more people.
  
  
• Fly Fishing is also available With “McKnights” a full on fishing safari, this is a must for the serious fisherman. Safaris include the Manorburn and the famous Poolburn Dam, Home of the Lord of the Rings. Fraser and Murray McKnight have lived in the Ida Valley all their lives and this is far from just a fishing safari, this is a historical entertaining day out.